Sergeant Joel Mildinhall, from West Midlands Police CID, said: "Investigations are on-going into the incident and officers have conducted a detailed forensic search of the area and are currently looking over CCTV.

"I would appeal to anyone who was in or around the Coat of Arms Bridge Road and Stivichall Croft area at around 5.30pm who has not yet spoken to us to get in touch."

Residents told of the shock at the shooting, while a local councillor said he was left "deeply alarmed".

"I would urge anyone who may have useful information about the incident to contact the Police. This is a very rare situation for Stivichall and I am sure the Police are working as quickly as they can to ascertain the facts and to take appropriate steps."

Anyone who has any information to assist the enquiry is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.